Abstract
Novel hybrid magnetoactive composite scaffolds based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), gelatin, and magnetite (Fe3O4) were fabricated by electrospinning. The morphology, structure, phase composition, and magnetic properties of composite scaffolds were studied. Fabrication procedures of PHB/gelatin and PHB/gelatin/Fe3O4 scaffolds resulted in the formation of both core-shell and ribbon-shaped structure of the fibers. In case of hybrid PHB/gelatin/Fe3O4 scaffolds submicron-sized Fe3O4 particles were observed in the surface layers of the fibers. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results allowed the presence of gelatin on the fiber surface (N/C ratio–0.11) to be revealed. Incubation of the composite scaffolds in saline for 3 h decreased the amount of gelatin on the surface by more than ~75%. The differential scanning calorimetry results obtained for pure PHB scaffolds revealed a characteristic melting peak at 177.5 °C. The presence of gelatin in PHB/gelatin and PHB/gelatin/Fe3O4 scaffolds resulted in the decrease in melting temperature to 168–169 °C in comparison with pure PHB scaffolds due to the core-shell structure of the fibers. Hybrid scaffolds also demonstrated a decrease in crystallinity from 52.3% (PHB) to 16.9% (PHB/gelatin) and 9.2% (PHB/gelatin/Fe3O4). All the prepared scaffolds were non-toxic and saturation magnetization of the composite scaffolds with magnetite was 3.27 ± 0.22 emu/g, which makes them prospective candidates for usage in biomedical applications.
Highlights
Functional materials responsive to different stimuli are of great importance for the well-being of modern society
The morphology and phase composition of synthesized Fe3O4 were studied by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy (Supplementary Materials, Figures S1 and S2)
The incorporation of gelatin to PHB composites resulted in the formation of core-shell fibers (PHB–core, gelatin–shell) due to phase separation and its polyelectrolyte nature
Summary
Functional materials responsive to different stimuli are of great importance for the well-being of modern society. Physical stimuli including magnetic or electric fields and ultrasound exposure have been of an interest in a variety of biomedical applications since they can remotely trigger a specific function of a biological object [1]. In terms of biomedical applications, magnetic filler of magneto-responsive materials, magnetite (Fe3O4) and cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) are used since they have a high saturation magnetization [6]. The latter, is potentially toxic to living tissues, which limits its widespread use in medicine [7]. Magnetite is biocompatible, has relatively simple synthetic preparation procedures, and can be collected via magnetic separation [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
